The White Lotushas helped Aimee Lou Wood in ways than one.

The actress, 31, who played Chelsea on the hit HBO seriescandidly discussed how her character empowered her self-confidence in an interview withHarper’s Bazaar.

During her conversation with the outlet, published on Wednesday, Nov. 5, Wood said that knowing she had to film in a bikini brought back body dysmorphia she experienced as a teenager.

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The Mayo Clinic describes the mental health condition as one in which you can’t stop thinking about one or perceived defects or flaws in your appearance.

Wood said she overcame these thoughts by taking a lesson from her character.

“I shook myself out of it by thinking, ‘It’s not about whether Aimee wants to show her body or not – Chelsea does,’ ” she told the outlet.

It’s precisely what Wood enjoys about her job.

Wood admits she often needs time to shed a character, but ultimately enjoys what she gains from the process.

“Acting has always been a safe place for me to work out my feelings,” said Wood. “I think for that reason a role will hit me in the heart, in the gut.”

In addition to body dysmorphia, Wood suffered from bulimia and social anxiety as a teenager and was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year.

While speaking about her mental health in an interview with theRadio Timesin September, Wood said acting has ultimately shifted her mindset.

“I don’t need everyone to understand me,” she said. “The people that get me, get me. The anxiety and feelings of inadequacy come from trying to meet other people’s expectations, but what’s so moving is that when I unmask, other people do too.”

“The exhaustion and shame comes from covering things up, but it’s freeing when you say, ‘My brain doesn’t work like that,’ ” she continued.

All three seasons ofThe White Lotusare available to stream on HBO Max. Wood will star as Pattie Boyd in Sam Mendes’ upcomingThe Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Eventset to be released in 2028.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides a fully-staffed helpline at 1-866-662-1235, as well as free, therapist-led support groups.